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Live Travel Journals, Diaries and Photos from real Travellersen-usSun, 02 Aug 2015 20:49:53 +0000Sun, 02 Aug 2015 20:49:53 +0000Back in Melbourneltgtltxmlgt ltwWordDocumentgt ltwViewgtNormalltwViewgt ltwZoomgt0ltwZoomgt ltwPunctuationKerninggt ltwValidateAgainstSchemasgt ltwSaveIfXMLInvalidgtfalseltwSaveIfXMLInvalidgt https://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/Victoria/Melbourne/blog-759358.html
The Great Ocean RoadI organised a surprise long weekend trip along the Great Ocean Road for Deans birthday in July 2009. We both love that part of Victoria but this time we just seemed to whizz along it. The Twelve Apostles a collection of limestone stacks just off the cohttps://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/Victoria/Great-Ocean-Road/blog-759353.html
Portland Port Fairy and WarrnamboolNeither of us had expected all that much of Portland but its a really nice town It used to be a whaling and sealing base from the early nineteenth century a fact that the old whale boiling pot in one of the parks is testimony to It was also one of https://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/Victoria/Port-Fairy/blog-759346.html
Kingston Robe and Cape BridgewaterThese small coastside towns are all truly lovely spots. Kingston comes very close to the very definition of peace and we enjoyed dipping into the icy ocean cycling to the lighthouse and over to the small creeksurrounded island with its human involvemhttps://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/South-Australia/Robe/blog-758134.html
AdelaideWow only a month to go until Christmas As much as I like it I dont think Ill ever fully get used to Christmas during summer. It just doesnt feel quite right. This year we will probably be camping with friends for a few days. Well weve beenhttps://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/South-Australia/Adelaide/blog-757420.html
Woomera Port Augusta and Port GermeinAfter Coober Pedy we headed to the small town of Woomera which used to be the main site for experimental British rocket and nuclear tests. We explored the outdoor missile park and Dean visited the rocket range museum. Woomera is still an active Departmenthttps://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/South-Australia/Port-Augusta/blog-757543.html
Coober PedyWhen we crossed the border into South Australia it seemed like we hadnt spent much time in the Northern Territory at all But then much of the NT will be covered during part 2 of our trip With a new state came our second time change not that wehttps://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/South-Australia/Coober-Pedy/blog-756410.html
Kings Canyon UluruI can see why the centre of Australia is called The Red Centre. It is just that And its as beautiful as it is striking. Kings Canyon was without a doubt one of the highlights of this trip. After an early start to the day the early mornings https://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/Northern-Territory/Uluru/blog-756408.html
Alice SpringsWe made it to Alice Springs Back to civilisation This town literally in the very centre of Australia is a lot bigger and bustlier than we had imagined it would be. It has a population of 28000 including a thriving Aboriginal community and the focus https://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/Northern-Territory/Alice-Springs/blog-754756.html
Barkly Homestead Tennant Creek The Devils Marbles and Wycliff WellAfter lots of goodbyes one last swim in the pool and stocking up on food we hit the road and drove right out of Camooweal. 15km down the road we finally we made it into the Northern Territory Cue the first time change during our trip Bizarrelyhttps://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/Northern-Territory/Devils-Marbles/blog-754754.html
Camoowealltgtltxmlgt ltwWordDocumentgt ltwViewgtNormalltwViewgt ltwZoomgt0ltwZoomgt ltwPunctuationKerninggt ltwValidateAgainstSchemasgt ltwSaveIfXMLInvalidgtfalseltwSaveIfXMLInvalidgt https://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/Queensland/Camooweal/blog-750864.html
Boodjamulla National ParkAs I type this we are sitting in our roasting van awaiting help. Miles from civilisation our van decided to spill oil and stop. For the mechanically minded out there the drive end bearing on the rear differential has dropped out. Or as Dean explained ihttps://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/Queensland/Boodjamulla-National-Park/blog-750863.html
Cloncurry and Mount Isaltgtltxmlgt ltwWordDocumentgt ltwViewgtNormalltwViewgt ltwZoomgt0ltwZoomgt ltwPunctuationKerninggt ltwValidateAgainstSchemasgt ltwSaveIfXMLInvalidgtfalseltwSaveIfXMLInvalidgt https://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/Queensland/Mount-Isa/blog-749680.html
Normanton and KarumbaThe other day we had a flat battery because I had unintentionally knocked the light switch on. Thankfully due to our awesome solar panel the battery was charged up enough to start the van after a couple of hours in the sun. Nice And the perfect excuse thttps://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/Queensland/Normanton/blog-748731.html
Kuranda and west into Gulf Savannah Countryltgtltxmlgt ltwWordDocumentgt ltwViewgtNormalltwViewgt ltwZoomgt0ltwZoomgt ltwPunctuationKerninggt ltwValidateAgainstSchemasgt ltwSaveIfXMLInvalidgtfalseltwSaveIfXMLInvalidgt https://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/Queensland/Kuranda/blog-748393.html
Port Douglas Palm Cove and CairnsAfter some more chillout time in PKs Jungle Bar we drove on to Port Douglas via the Daintree and Mossman. Such a beautiful area We had already holidayed in Port Douglas a few years ago so we only stayed for a day and a night. Even if we had wanted tohttps://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/Queensland/blog-747464.html
Cooktown and down to Cape TribulationEn route to Cooktown we stopped at the Mighty Palmer River Roadhouse for the night. Its one of those places in the middle of nowhere a proper Australian outback rest stop. We went for a powered campsite but hadnt realised that everything runs onhttps://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/Queensland/Cape-Tribulation/blog-744607.html
The Atherton Tablelands Chillagoeltgtltxmlgt ltwWordDocumentgt ltwViewgtNormalltwViewgt ltwZoomgt0ltwZoomgt ltwPunctuationKerninggt ltwValidateAgainstSchemasgt ltwSaveIfXMLInvalidgtfalseltwSaveIfXMLInvalidgt https://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/Queensland/Atherton-Tablelands/blog-743953.html
Innisfail Etty Bay and back to MundooWe had already spent an afternoon in Innisfail last time we were in the area but that had been on a Sunday and everything had been closed This time we were lucky to pass through on a Saturday. Innisfail was bustling and we visited the local market and sthttps://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/Queensland/Innisfail/blog-743300.html
Mission Beach and Paronella ParkOur next stop was Mission Beach a very chilled out area thats made up of five small beachside settlements. Upon our arrival we went for a little drive to discover the area and promptly decided to stay put at Mission Bay Skydivers. This place is ace Thttps://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/Queensland/Mission-Beach/blog-743096.html
Lucinda Cardwell and Girraway National ParkAfter driving back through Ingham and visiting the local charity shop love opshop shopping but I miss doing it with you Nici we headed on to Lucinda as recommended by the ladies in the op shop. This little seaside town set in amongst all the suhttps://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/Queensland/Lucinda/blog-739044.html
Paluma Girringun National ParksBefore leaving Townsville we had a couple of things to take care of. After putting the rest of our things in the van and having brekkie with Jason we visited our agency to say goodbye and drove over to Kirwan to walk Toro for a last time. After a bit of https://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/Queensland/Paluma-National-Park/blog-742555.html
Townsville part IIWow amazingly our time in Townsville has already come to an end After seven weeks it feels very strange to be hitting the road again tomorrow. Im surprised to be feeling both excited more adventures yay and apprehensive living in a van does comehttps://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/Queensland/Townsville/blog-740204.html
Magnetic IslandWith all this working it was time for a mini holiday so we booked a weekend away on Magnetic Island. Maggie as the locals call it is just an 8km ferry ride from Townsville and practically one of the citys suburbs. It caters to all tastes and budgets https://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/Queensland/Magnetic-Island/blog-740205.html
Townsville part IWell on an average day I39ve been cycling for an hour and a half walking a chiwawa for an hour and cleaning for six hours But let me start at the beginning Townsville was always going to be a major stop on our trip as we couldnt wait thttps://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/Queensland/Townsville/blog-735403.html
Bowling Green Bay National ParkAfter a slow morning we carried on towards Townsville. We almost made it there but couldnt resist stopping at the lovely Alligator Creek for a nights camping. Its part of the Bowling Green Bay National Park and had been recommended to us by some https://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/Queensland/Townsville/blog-735402.html
Home HillHome Hill is a tiny country village en route from Bowen to Ayr. We hadnt really planned to stop there and it was the Home Hill Comfort Stop that made that decision for us. Its a spot with BBQ facilities and lukewarm showers where travelers can https://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/Queensland/Home-Hill/blog-735400.html
Airlie Bowenltgtltxmlgt ltwWordDocumentgt ltwViewgtNormalltwViewgt ltwZoomgt0ltwZoomgt ltwPunctuationKerninggt ltwValidateAgainstSchemasgt ltwSaveIfXMLInvalidgtfalseltwSaveIfXMLInvalidgt https://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/Queensland/Airlie-Beach/blog-731911.html
Finch Hatton Gorge Proserpineltgtltxmlgt ltwWordDocumentgt ltwViewgtNormalltwViewgt ltwZoomgt0ltwZoomgt ltwPunctuationKerninggt ltwValidateAgainstSchemasgt ltwSaveIfXMLInvalidgtfalseltwSaveIfXMLInvalidgt https://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/Queensland/Mackay/blog-731910.html
MackayHappy Friday 13thltspangtltspangtAnd happy birthday to Nici and Barbara xx We arrived in Mackay after a four hour drive from Capella and despite Dean doing all the driving I was completely shagged by the time we got there.lthttps://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/Queensland/Mackay/blog-730182.html
A very interesting 24 hoursAfter leaving Rubyvale we made it about 50km down the road before coming to a halt at Theresa Creek which was flooded due to all the recent rainfall.ltspangtltspangtltspangt The depth marker showed that the water was one metre above the bridgehttps://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/blog-729733.html
Emerald Sapphire and Rubyvalehttps://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/Queensland/Emerald/blog-729231.html
Carnarvon GorgeHaving decided that time is too precious to wait for people to call us about potential work we planned an inland detour with the possibility of returning to Rockhampton if jobs materialised.ltspangtltspangt It was the first time in a long while thhttps://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/Queensland/Carnarvon-Gorge/blog-728752.html
Rockhampton part IIltgtltxmlgt ltwWordDocumentgt ltwViewgtNormalltwViewgt ltwZoomgt0ltwZoomgt ltwPunctuationKerninggt ltwValidateAgainstSchemasgt ltwSaveIfXMLInvalidgtfalseltwSaveIfXMLInvalidgt https://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/Queensland/Rockhampton/blog-727670.html
Yeppoon Emu Park and Great Keppel Islandltgtltxmlgt ltwWordDocumentgt ltwViewgtNormalltwViewgt ltwZoomgt0ltwZoomgt ltwPunctuationKerninggt ltwValidateAgainstSchemasgt ltwSaveIfXMLInvalidgtfalseltwSaveIfXMLInvalidgt https://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/Queensland/Great-Keppel-Island/blog-727669.html
Rockhampton part Iltgtltxmlgt ltwWordDocumentgt ltwViewgtNormalltwViewgt ltwZoomgt0ltwZoomgt ltwPunctuationKerninggt ltwValidateAgainstSchemasgt ltwSaveIfXMLInvalidgtfalseltwSaveIfXMLInvalidgt https://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/Queensland/Rockhampton/blog-725324.html
Tannum Sands GladstoneFirst of all many congratulations to our good friends Alison Victor who have just welcomed their beautiful baby daughter Violette Evelyn into the worldltspangtltspangtWe are thrilled for you and cant wait to meet her thats your cue to https://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/Queensland/Gladstone/blog-725321.html
Agnes Waters Town Of 1770Wow we really loved Agnes Waterltspangtltspangt Its an idyllic part of the world where time seems to stand still.ltspangt Its right on the coast with only one road leading in and out of town.ltspangt Driving the two hours from Bundhttps://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/Queensland/Agnes-Water/blog-725320.html
Childers Bundaberg and Bargaraltgtltxmlgt ltwWordDocumentgt ltwViewgtNormalltwViewgt ltwZoomgt0ltwZoomgt ltwPunctuationKerninggt ltwValidateAgainstSchemasgt ltwSaveIfXMLInvalidgtfalseltwSaveIfXMLInvalidgt https://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/Queensland/Bundaberg/blog-725301.html
Fraser Islandltgtltxmlgt ltwWordDocumentgt ltwViewgtNormalltwViewgt ltwZoomgt0ltwZoomgt ltwPunctuationKerninggt ltwValidateAgainstSchemasgt ltwSaveIfXMLInvalidgtfalseltwSaveIfXMLInvalidgt https://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/Queensland/Fraser-Island/blog-723578.html
Eumundi NoosaEumundi is famous for one thing and thats its markets.ltspangtltspangtltspangt There is a market every Wednesday Saturday and Sunday.ltspangt And were not talking an average kind of market this is the mother of all markets.ltshttps://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/Queensland/Noosa/blog-721809.html
Bribie Island Caloundra Ilkley and MooloolabaBribie Island is a cool little place where you really feel like youre on an island but everything you need is there.ltspangtltspangt We stayed in the township of Woorim on the east coast.ltspangt I wasnt feeling so well so had a day of chttps://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/Queensland/Caloundra/blog-721213.html
Brisbaneltgtltxmlgt ltwWordDocumentgt ltwViewgtNormalltwViewgt ltwZoomgt0ltwZoomgt ltwPunctuationKerninggt ltwValidateAgainstSchemasgt ltwSaveIfXMLInvalidgtfalseltwSaveIfXMLInvalidgt https://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/Queensland/blog-721206.html
Beenleigh Carbrook and ClevelandWe spent a day chilling out in our van in Beenleigh we lost the war on condensation again that night and were lucky enough to be in town for the District Cane Festival Street Parade.ltspangtltspangtltspangtltspangtltspangt The festhttps://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/Queensland/Cleveland/blog-721205.html
The Gold Coastltgtltxmlgt ltwWordDocumentgt ltwViewgtNormalltwViewgt ltwZoomgt0ltwZoomgt ltwPunctuationKerninggt ltwValidateAgainstSchemasgt ltwSaveIfXMLInvalidgtfalseltwSaveIfXMLInvalidgt https://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/Queensland/Surfers-Paradise/blog-718249.html
MullumbimbyHappy birthday to Zach who is 11 years oldltspangtltspangtltspangtltspangtltspangtltspangt We hope you had a wonderful day and look forward to catching up with you soon. ltspangtxx After an early morning yoga session wihttps://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/New-South-Wales/Mullumbimby/blog-718250.html
Byron Bay part IIHmm yes we returned to townltspangtltspangtltspangtltspangtltspangt So to some degree the Lonely Planet prophecy seemed to be coming true Byron Bay drew us back in.ltspangt I suppose its because there is so much to do and https://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/New-South-Wales/blog-717082.html
Lennox Head part IILennox is so gorgeous that for the first time during our trip we reversed our travel direction and headed back south for a couple of days.ltspangtltspangtltspangtltspangtltspangtltspangtThere were no regrets and it was definitely https://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/New-South-Wales/Lennox-Head/blog-717081.html
Byron Bay part IByron Bay.ltspangtltspangtltspangtltspangtltspangtltspangt Where to start.ltspangtHere is what the Lonely Planet has to say about it Byron Bays reputation precedes it like no other place in Australia.ltspangt https://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/New-South-Wales/Byron-Bay/blog-717080.html
Lennox Head part IWe woke up to beautiful sunshine and a stunning view of the ocean and a seemingly never ending beach so decided to hang around Lennox Head for the morning before driving on to Byron Bay. Lennox is just gorgeous and flew straight onto the wonhttps://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/New-South-Wales/Lennox-Head/blog-715769.html
BallinaThe first thing we saw when we drove into Ballina was The Big Shrimp.ltspangtltspangtltspangtltspangtltspangtltspangt Arghltspangt I refuse to take and post photos of these monstrosities as I simply hate them.ltspangt Beforhttps://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/New-South-Wales/Ballina/blog-715288.html
Maclean Palmers Island and YambaOn our way to Yamba only about an hours drive from Grafton we stopped in at Maclean.ltspangtltspangtltspangt This town has a strong Scottish heritage which is apparent from the moment you arrive.ltspangt The power poles are painted withttps://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/New-South-Wales/Yamba/blog-714779.html
GraftonWoolgoolga is a small town 25km north of Coffs Harbour which is renowned for its sizeable Sikh community.ltspangtltspangt We had planned to be there for the Curry Fest an annual celebration involving music dance and lots of curries but sahttps://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/New-South-Wales/Grafton/blog-713865.html
Coffs HarbourUnbelievably we made it out of Bellingenltspangtltspangt The morning we left was quite funny because somehow I managed to stall us so that we didnt get out of town until lunchtime.ltspangt I seriously did not want to leave how hard can it https://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/New-South-Wales/Coffs-Harbour/blog-713857.html
BellingenFirst of all many congratulations to Di and Joe who tied the knot on Friday 27thltspangtltspangtltspangtltspangtltspangtltspangtWe wish you both every happiness in the world Secondly Bellingen is awesomeltshttps://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/New-South-Wales/Bellingen/blog-713095.html
South West Rocksltgtltxmlgt ltwWordDocumentgt ltwViewgtNormalltwViewgt ltwZoomgt0ltwZoomgt ltwPunctuationKerninggt ltwValidateAgainstSchemasgt ltwSaveIfXMLInvalidgtfalseltwSaveIfXMLInvalidgt https://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/New-South-Wales/South-West-Rocks/blog-712366.html
Port Macquarieltgtltxmlgt ltwWordDocumentgt ltwViewgtNormalltwViewgt ltwZoomgt0ltwZoomgt ltwPunctuationKerninggt ltwValidateAgainstSchemasgt ltwSaveIfXMLInvalidgtfalseltwSaveIfXMLInvalidgt https://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/New-South-Wales/Port-Macquarie/blog-711736.html
ForsterRAIN GALOREltspangtltspangt When we arrived in the seaside town of Forster via a nice drive through Booti Booti National Park we checked the weather forecast and learnt that there was going to be heavy rain for a whole week.ltspangt Nicelhttps://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/New-South-Wales/Forster/blog-710329.html
Blueys Beachltgtltxmlgt ltwWordDocumentgt ltwViewgtNormalltwViewgt ltwZoomgt0ltwZoomgt ltwPunctuationKerninggt ltwValidateAgainstSchemasgt ltwSaveIfXMLInvalidgtfalseltwSaveIfXMLInvalidgt https://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/New-South-Wales/Tea-Gardens/blog-710317.html
Port StephensFriday 13th eek But nothing untoward happened in our world.The lovely bay of Port Stephens is totally charming.ltspangt Its unofficial capital is Nelson Bay which is also the dolphin capital of Australia and there are several other littlehttps://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/New-South-Wales/Port-Stephens/Shoal-Bay/blog-708684.html
NewcastleI had heard Newcastle mentioned a lot and was vaguely aware that it was a city north of Sydney but that sums up all my previous knowledge of it.ltspangtltspangt I was intrigued to see what it was actually like and it was only when I started readinhttps://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/New-South-Wales/Newcastle/blog-707613.html
Sampling vino in the beautiful Hunter Valleyltgtltxmlgt ltwWordDocumentgt ltwViewgtNormalltwViewgt ltwZoomgt0ltwZoomgt ltwPunctuationKerninggt ltwValidateAgainstSchemasgt ltwSaveIfXMLInvalidgtfalseltwSaveIfXMLInvalidgt https://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/New-South-Wales/Cessnock/blog-705827.html
Easter at Norah Headltgtltxmlgt ltwWordDocumentgt ltwViewgtNormalltwViewgt ltwZoomgt0ltwZoomgt ltwPunctuationKerninggt ltwValidateAgainstSchemasgt ltwSaveIfXMLInvalidgtfalseltwSaveIfXMLInvalidgt https://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/New-South-Wales/Noraville/blog-705197.html
TerrigalWe hadnt really made a plan beyond Picton but when our friends Tracey and Jason said they would be in Terrigal for a couple of days we thought that would be a great spot to visit.As it turned out Terrigal is lovelyltspangt It has made it on https://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/New-South-Wales/Terrigal/blog-704551.html
Skydive PictonNeither of us had been to Picton before so it was a long overdue visit.ltspangtltspangtltspangtltspangt Its a super friendly dropzone with a great setup.ltspangt We did a couple of jumps one freefly jump to blow out the cobwebs ahttps://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/New-South-Wales/Picton/blog-704085.html
SydneyWe decided to stay in Bondi for our first couple of days in Sydney.ltspangtltspangtltspangt It was very similar to St Kilda beachy funky lots of shops and restaurants so we felt instantly at homeltspangt Instead of sleeping in the vanhttps://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/New-South-Wales/Sydney/blog-703222.html
Katoomba the Blue MountainsFirst of all many congratulations to my fabulous sister Yvette for completing her degree in biologyltspangtltspangt What an achievement.ltspangtNice work sisThursday 22 March has been a much anticipated date as its the day that we methttps://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/New-South-Wales/Katoomba/blog-699864.html
Wollongong and the Nan Tien TempleCall me sad but I was kind of excited about coming to Wollongong.ltspangtltspangtltspangtltspangt As it turns out its not that flashltspangt ltspangt Its sprawling and industrial and there seems to be quite a lot of dodghttps://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/New-South-Wales/Wollongong/blog-699338.html
Kiama and GerringongOne of the things I am really loving about this trip is that we make plans and then we change them.ltspangtltspangt As with Ulladulla we had planned to stay in Wollongong last night.ltspangtBut we made it as far as Shell Cove and I felt an https://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/New-South-Wales/Kiama/blog-699335.html
Gorgeous Jervis BayFirst of all happy 80th birthday to Sydney Harbour BridgeltspangtltspangtltspangtIts a shame we wont be there for the celebrations but be sure to make up for it when in another 10 days or so.We had planned to stay the nihttps://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/New-South-Wales/Jervis-Bay/blog-698108.html
BatehavenIt was only an hours drive from Canberra to Batehaven a little village near Batemans Bay.ltspangtltspangtIt was time to just chill for a bit so we checked into an awesome caravan park and went into slow mode.That afternoon I cycled to Surfhttps://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/New-South-Wales/Batehaven/blog-697833.html
CanberraTo make the journey from Moruya to Canberra more interesting Dean programmed the shortest as opposed to the fastest route into the GPS. 50km of gravel road later we were back on tarmac our bones still rattling from the driveCanbhttps://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/Australian-Capital-Territory/Canberra/blog-697071.html
Skydive MoruyaIm just going to let the photos speak for this blog entryltspangt. ltspangtltspangtThanks everyone at Skydive Oz Surfside for an awesome time.ltspangt We will definitely be backhttps://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/New-South-Wales/Moruya/blog-695868.html
CongoNestled in the Eurobodalla National Park Congo is a small cluster of houses on the estuary and a couple of long surf beaches.ltspangtltspangt This very pretty and peaceful area has a basic camping area that has a very eco friendly feel to it.ltshttps://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/New-South-Wales/Congo/blog-695862.html
Mystery Bay NaroomaSun at lastltspangtltspangt And some warmth tooltspangt ltspangtOur wet clothes were going to take a while to dry out but we were just so glad to be able to spend time outdoors again. First off we explored Bermagui by bicycle.lthttps://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/New-South-Wales/Narooma/blog-695383.html
Tathra Bega BermaguiThat rain is backltspangtltspangt With a vengeanceltspangt I thought I knew what torrential rain was but my eyes have now been opened.ltspangt We stopped for the night at a motorhome park in Tathra and woke up to find a lake outside our https://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/New-South-Wales/Bermagui/blog-694972.html
Lovely MerimbulaWowltspangtltspangtltspangtltspangt Merimbula is gorgeousltspangt I am keeping a list of wonderful places and Merimbula flew straight onto the list.Its the perfect holiday spot there are beootiful beaches funky little shopshttps://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/New-South-Wales/Merimbula/blog-694969.html
EdenToday we crossed the border into New South Wales although were not sure when as there was no sign to tell usltspangtltspangt Having arrived in Eden we took a cruise around the town and to the wharf where Dean went fishing.ltspangt Therhttps://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/New-South-Wales/Eden/blog-694968.html
Cape Conran MallacootaWe didnt leave Lakes Entrance until late morning mainly because it was so hard to leave behind the cosy armchairs and TV Once on our way we stopped at Cape Conran a coastal park with beach rocks and walking tracks. We walked around the coastlinehttps://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/Victoria/Mallacoota/blog-694951.html
Falls Creek back to Lakes EntranceWow its a leap yearltspangtltspangtltspangtltspangtltspangt Happy birthday to all those born on 29 FebruaryltspangtAfter a leisurely morning of yoga and fishing Dean caught a trout which we had for lunch we started ourhttps://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/Victoria/Falls-Creek/blog-692705.html
Mount BeautyMount Beauty certainly lives up to its name.ltspangtltspangtThe scenery is beautiful and so are the people thats you Di Jo you guys rock thanks so much for having us.We learnt that there isnt actually a mountain called Mounhttps://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/Victoria/Mount-Beauty/blog-692693.html
Mount Buffalo Lake Catani BrightLake Catani is the highest body of water in Victoria.ltspangtltspangtltspangtltspangtltspangt Even from a distance of 25 meters we sadly didnt get to see it because of the severe fog and rainltspangt The weather has been shockihttps://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/Victoria/Bright/blog-691981.html
Great Alpine Road Mount BuffaloAnother blissful night in a proper bedltspangtltspangt ltspangtThanks so much for your lovely hospitality Blaithin and RoryAfter saying our goodbyes we put on a great jazz soundtrack thanks for the tunes Nici and hit the Great Alpihttps://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/Victoria/Mount-Buffalo/blog-691581.html
Lakes Entrance Buchan CavesFour weeks after leaving Melbourne we spent our first night in a proper bed.ltspangt And we slept like logsltspangt In the morning we had the opportunity to check out Blaithin and Rorys absolutely stunning house before having breakfast on thhttps://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/Victoria/Lakes-Entrance/blog-691576.html
Bairnsdale Paynesville Raymond IslandWe were delighted to hear that after a stint in Perth our friendDeans cousin Andrew was back in Bairnsdale around the time we were going to be there.ltspangtltspangtltspangtEven better it was going to be Andrews birthdayAfter pashttps://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/Victoria/Bairnsdale/blog-691574.html
Paradise BeachWe are now experts at setting up our little mobile home whenever we move to a new spot.ltspangtltspangtltspangt On arriving at Paradise Beach a lovely little freecamping area near Seaspray we were all set up with our new tent poles and guyrhttps://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/Victoria/Gippsland/blog-691569.html
Port Albert SaleIts been three weeks today since we left our Melbourne pad.ltspangtltspangtHow time fliesOn the way to Sale in Gippsland we stopped at quaint Port Albert for lunch and a walk.ltspangt This surprisingly popular little place comprises a https://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/Victoria/Sale/blog-691566.html
Bear Gully Cape LiptrapWe came camping here with a group of lovely friends for Christmas 2010. And its still just as beautiful. And as popular Arriving on Friday evening we were lucky to secure one of the last remaining camping spots. Were just loving our new sun rain https://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/Victoria/blog-691261.html
Phillip IslandIts lovely here. I had imagined the island to be quite a distance from the mainland but its only separated by a small bridge. Nevertheless you do feel like youre on an island and in a somewhat special place. Its clean and neat and the locals ahttps://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/Victoria/Philip-Island/blog-691259.html
MelbourneWow life back in Melbourne was hectic even though or perhaps because it was only two and a half days. They were filled with appointments working on the van shopping for camping equipment doing admin going to yoga and catching up with lovehttps://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/Victoria/Melbourne/blog-691251.html
Back through Melbourne still our lovely home town in AustraliaThe return journey over the Bass Strait wasnt quite as pleasant as the journey out. Although it was still reasonably calm it definitely got a little rocky at times and I didnt feel so good The music entertainment was also terrible this time but https://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/Victoria/Melbourne/blog-686665.html
Launceston FestivaleIts our last day in Tassie Already The first fortnight of our trip has just flown. Weve discovered things that we want to changeadd to the van and weve decided that we dont actually need everything that weve taken with us. Thank goodnesshttps://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/Tasmania/Launceston/blog-686661.html
Cataract Gorge Lonnie LauncestonIt was wonderful going to sleep to and walking up to the sound of the ocean. The Bay of Fires really is a gorgeous spot and along with the Tasman Peninsula the highlight of our Tassie trip so far. We purposely didnt take any photos here as it would https://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/Tasmania/Launceston/blog-686659.html
St Helens and the STUNNING Bay of FiresAlthough it was still a cool morning luckily the rain had subsided. We were going to have a towny restful day. So Dean went fishing at St Helens wharf disappointingly all his bites were too small and I had a look around town. They have a cool and quirhttps://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/Tasmania/Bay-of-Fires/blog-686656.html
Wineglass BayWith the help of our new Camps book we had found ourselves a lovely free spot at River Rocks Campground. It was chockablock with other friendly campers and as natural as you can get complete with stinky long drop toilet Seriously though it https://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/Tasmania/Tasman-Peninsula/blog-686654.html
Watching Tasmanian Devils chilling out at White BeachWe awoke to a beautiful sunny day and decided to have breakfast on White Beach. Lovely When we left we noticed that an extraordinary amount of houses and land were for sale in the town of White Beach. The image of lazing on a balcony overlooking the beauhttps://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/Tasmania/White-Beach/blog-686650.html
Art BeerWe decided to go our separate ways this morning so whilst I visited the Museum of Old and New Art MONA Dean did a tour of the Cascade Brewery.Established in 1832 the Cascade Brewery is Australias oldest brewery. Dean managed to get the last remhttps://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/Tasmania/Hobart/blog-686649.html
Exploring HobartWe woke up to a chilly overcast and drizzly morning. Luckily the weather cleared swiftly and we were slapping on the SPF30 Hobart weather is almost as unpredictable as Melbournes.We started the day with a visit to the Sunday Market at the Hobart https://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/Tasmania/Hobart/blog-686647.html
Back to natureDean took an early morning walk to Platypus Bay hoping to see some of those lovely critters. No luck this time though maybe next time.We then hit the road to Hobart with a couple of stops on the way Russell Falls is a stunning fairytalelike multhttps://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/Tasmania/Hobart/blog-686645.html
Hiking at Lake St ClairIt was time to explore the lovely Cradle Mountain Lake St Clair National Park.ltspangt We decided to take the ferry Cynthia Bay to Echo Point and then do the 3.5 hour hike back to the camping ground.ltspangt You couldve knocked us over with a https://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/Australia/Tasmania/Lake-St-Clair/blog-685439.html